U.T. Admissions

This week, Prof. G. sent an article about the admissions "mystery" at U.T.  Regarding the Top 10% admissions, I have mixed emotions.  While those at the top 10% of their graduating class are guaranteed admission, the remaining students' applications are based on essays, test scores, extracurricular activities, SES, and cultural background.  Really?  Why should SES and cultural background even be considered as part of the admissions criteria?  Okay, if the committee is trying to give all students an equal playing field, but not so that it may be in some way used against them later.

This isn't totally fair because my son was in the top 10% of his graduating class at Johnston High School (now, Eastside Memorial High), yet ill-prepared for the academic expectations once he got into U.T.  His grades suffered, and he ended up dropping out of college.  I'm not putting all of the college prep responsibility on the high school teachers and administrators.  But, he graduated from a school with an overall low morale (principals came and went), and the administration was planning to close it down due to low student performance anyway.  Yes, he did graduate, and he had a solid elementary and middle school foundation.  But, the adult leaders in his high school failed him, and my husband and I failed him as parents, by not transferring him to a different school in another area of town with more resources and teachers who were more interested in the overall educational process (not just in getting high TAAS scores, or whatever the standardized test was called back then).  Ultimately, it was up to my son to pursue his education and set the bar for himself, but sometimes when those who are supposed to guide and protect you (i.e., parents, teachers, etc.) don't meet your expectations, you may "fall through the cracks" and give up on yourself.  Sad, but true.

It was mentioned in the article about how there's more to a college graduate than GRADES & GPAs.  In addition, I feel that just because a person has a degree (with or without a high GPA), doesn't mean that person can apply practical principles (common sense) to real world issues on the job.  Some people only achieve "book knowledge", but can't apply it where it counts.  Many times, students at schools in lower SES areas aren't necessarily encouraged to take courses, or to get involved in extracurricular (or, volunteer) activities, which may help them when applying to college.  Morale, positive role models, and encouragement can go a long way with a student who may be the first in the family to go to college (or, even think about going).